The Weliamuna Report on SriLankan Airlines: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Download It in PDF Format
Weliamuna Report on SriLankan Airlines PDF Download: What You Need to Know
If you are interested in learning more about the state of affairs of Sri Lanka's national carrier, SriLankan Airlines, you might want to read the Weliamuna report. This is a comprehensive investigation into the alleged corruption and mismanagement that plagued the airline during the previous regime. The report was commissioned by the new government in 2015 and released to the public in 2018. It contains shocking revelations and recommendations that have sparked controversy and debate in Sri Lanka.
weliamuna report on srilankan airlines pdf download
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Weliamuna report on SriLankan Airlines. We will explain what it is, how to download it in PDF format, what are its main findings and recommendations, and what are the reactions and responses to it. We will also analyze its significance and implications for SriLankan Airlines and Sri Lanka as a whole.
By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of why the Weliamuna report is important and what you can do as a reader to support or follow up on it. So, let's get started!
How to Download the Weliamuna Report in PDF Format?
The Weliamuna report is officially titled "Report of the Board of Inquiry Appointed to Inquire into Alleged Irregularities / Malpractices / Corruption at SriLankan Airlines". It was submitted to the Prime Minister's Office in March 2015, but it was not made public until January 2018, when it was uploaded on the website of the Ministry of Public Enterprise Development.
If you want to download the Weliamuna report in PDF format, you can do so by following these simple steps:
Go to this link, which will take you to the page where the report is available on the ministry's website.
Scroll down until you see a section titled "Download Attachments". There, you will find two files: one is the report in English, and the other is the report in Sinhala.
Click on the file that you want to download. A new tab will open with the PDF file of the report.
Save the file on your device by clicking on the download icon or using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+S.
Congratulations! You have successfully downloaded the Weliamuna report in PDF format. Now, you can read it at your convenience and share it with others who might be interested.
What are the Main Findings and Recommendations of the Weliamuna Report?
The Weliamuna report is a 400-page document that covers a wide range of issues and allegations related to SriLankan Airlines. It is divided into 12 chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of the airline's operations and management. The report also includes several annexures that provide additional details and evidence to support the findings and recommendations.
The main findings and recommendations of the Weliamuna report can be summarized as follows:
The Background and Context of the Weliamuna Report
The History and Performance of SriLankan Airlines
The Weliamuna report begins by providing a brief history and overview of SriLankan Airlines, which was established in 1979 as Air Lanka. The report notes that the airline underwent several changes over the years, including a partial privatization in 1998, when Emirates acquired a 40% stake and management control of the airline. The report also highlights some of the achievements and challenges that SriLankan Airlines faced over the years, such as expanding its fleet and network, winning awards and recognition, facing competition and losses, and dealing with external shocks such as terrorism and natural disasters.
The report states that SriLankan Airlines was performing well until 2008, when the then government decided to terminate the agreement with Emirates and take over the management of the airline. The report claims that this decision was politically motivated and resulted in a series of adverse consequences for SriLankan Airlines, such as losing its strategic partner, losing its brand identity, losing its experienced and professional management team, losing its market share and reputation, and losing its financial stability and profitability.
The report estimates that SriLankan Airlines incurred a cumulative loss of Rs. 128.238 billion (approximately USD 690 million) from 2009 to 2014, which was mainly attributed to poor decision making, mismanagement, corruption, and interference by the previous regime. The report also notes that SriLankan Airlines accumulated a huge debt burden of Rs. 175.419 billion (approximately USD 945 million) as of March 2015, which posed a serious threat to its viability and sustainability.
The Allegations of Corruption and Mismanagement against SriLankan Airlines
The Weliamuna report identifies several allegations of corruption and mismanagement that were leveled against SriLankan Airlines during the period from 2009 to 2014. These allegations include:
Procuring aircraft without proper feasibility studies or due diligence
Cancelling profitable routes and flights without justification
Re-branding the airline without proper consultation or approval
Appointing unqualified and incompetent personnel to key positions
Abusing power and authority for personal gain or political favor
Violating procurement procedures and awarding contracts to cronies or relatives
Misusing public funds and assets for lavish expenses or entertainment
Manipulating financial statements and concealing losses or liabilities
Ignoring safety standards and compromising passenger security
Interfering with internal investigations and audits
Harassing and victimizing whistleblowers and critics
Obstructing external oversight and accountability mechanisms
The report states that these allegations were widely reported in the media and raised by various stakeholders, such as employees, trade unions, civil society groups, opposition parties, regulators, auditors, creditors, shareholders, customers, suppliers, competitors, etc. However, the report also notes that these allegations were largely ignored or denied by the previous regime, which claimed that SriLankan Airlines was performing well and had no issues or problems.
The Appointment and Mandate of the Weliamuna Board of Inquiry
The Methodology and Scope of the Weliamuna Report
The Sources and Types of Evidence Used by the Weliamuna Board
The Weliamuna report describes the methodology and scope of the inquiry conducted by the Weliamuna board. The report states that the board adopted a broad and inclusive approach to gather evidence and information from various sources and stakeholders. The report lists some of the sources and types of evidence used by the board, such as:
Documents and records obtained from SriLankan Airlines and other relevant institutions
Oral and written submissions made by current and former employees of SriLankan Airlines
Oral and written submissions made by other interested parties, such as trade unions, civil society groups, customers, suppliers, competitors, etc.
Expert opinions and reports obtained from independent consultants and auditors
Media reports and articles on SriLankan Airlines and related issues
Publicly available information and data on SriLankan Airlines and the aviation industry
The report states that the board received a large volume of evidence and information from various sources, which was analyzed and verified by the board. The report also states that the board gave an opportunity to all parties who were implicated or affected by the inquiry to respond or clarify their positions. The report assures that the board followed the principles of natural justice and fairness in conducting the inquiry.
The Limitations and Challenges Faced by the Weliamuna Board
The Weliamuna report acknowledges that the inquiry faced several limitations and challenges that affected its scope and quality. The report mentions some of the limitations and challenges faced by the board, such as:
The limited time frame given to the board to complete the inquiry (six weeks)
The limited resources and facilities available to the board to conduct the inquiry (no staff or office)
The limited access and cooperation given to the board by some parties or institutions (such as SriLankan Airlines management)
The limited legal authority and powers given to the board to compel or enforce compliance (such as issuing summons or warrants)
The limited scope and coverage of the inquiry due to the complexity and magnitude of the issues involved (such as financial transactions or legal matters)
The limited availability and reliability of some evidence or information due to various reasons (such as missing documents or conflicting statements)
The report states that these limitations and challenges prevented the board from conducting a comprehensive and conclusive inquiry into all aspects and allegations related to SriLankan Airlines. The report also states that these limitations and challenges may have resulted in some errors or omissions in the report. The report cautions that the findings and recommendations of the report should be treated as preliminary and indicative, rather than definitive or final.
The Areas and Issues Covered by the Weliamuna Report
the Weliamuna board. The report states that the board focused on the following areas and issues, which were considered to be the most relevant and significant for the inquiry:
The procurement of aircraft by SriLankan Airlines, including the cancellation of the lease agreement with Emirates, the acquisition of new and used aircraft from Airbus and other sources, and the implications of these decisions for the airline's financial performance and operational efficiency.
The re-branding of SriLankan Airlines, including the rationale and process behind changing the logo, livery, uniform, and slogan of the airline, and the impact of these changes on the airline's brand identity and market position.
The human resource management of SriLankan Airlines, including the appointment and removal of key personnel, such as the chairman, CEO, directors, managers, pilots, cabin crew, etc., and the allegations of nepotism, favoritism, politicization, discrimination, harassment, etc. in these processes.
The procurement of goods and services by SriLankan Airlines, including the awarding of contracts for catering, ground handling, fuel supply, maintenance, advertising, etc., and the allegations of irregularities, violations, corruption, etc. in these processes.
The financial management of SriLankan Airlines, including the preparation and presentation of financial statements and reports, the auditing and oversight of financial transactions and records, and the allegations of manipulation, falsification, concealment, etc. in these processes.
The safety and security management of SriLankan Airlines, including the compliance with national and international standards and regulations on aviation safety and security, the implementation of policies and procedures on safety and security issues, and the allegations of negligence, compromise, risk, etc. in these processes.
accountability, and efficiency. The report also states that these areas and issues were the basis for the board's findings and recommendations. The Key Findings and Recommendations of the Weliamuna Report
The Evidence of Corruption and Mismanagement in SriLankan Airlines
The Weliamuna report presents the key findings of the inquiry conducted by the Weliamuna board. The report states that the board found sufficient and credible evidence to substantiate most of the allegations of corruption and mismanagement that were leveled against SriLankan Airlines during the period from 2009 to 2014. The report states that the board found evidence of:
Procuring aircraft without proper feasibility studies or due diligence, resulting in overcapacity, underutilization, and losses for SriLankan Airlines.
Cancelling profitable routes and flights without justification, resulting in loss of revenue and market share for SriLankan Airlines.
Re-branding the airline without proper consultation or approval, resulting in confusion and dissatisfaction among customers and stakeholders.
Appointing unqualified and incompetent personnel to key positions, resulting in poor performance and governance of SriLankan Airlines.
Abusing power and authority for personal gain or political favor, resulting in wastage and misappropriation of public funds and assets.
Violating procurement procedures and awarding contracts to cronies or relatives, resulting in inflated costs and substandard services for SriLankan Airlines.
Misusing public funds and assets for lavish expenses or entertainment, resulting in unnecessary expenditure and diversion of resources from SriLankan Airlines.
Manipulating financial statements and concealing losses or liabilities, resulting in misleading and inaccurate reporting of SriLankan Airlines' financial position and performance.
Ignoring safety standards and compromising passenger security, resulting in potential hazards and risks for SriLankan Airlines' operations and reputation.
Interfering with internal investigations and audits, resulting in obstruction and suppression of evidence and information on SriLankan Airlines' issues and problems.
Harassing and victimizing whistleblowers and critics, resulting in intimidation and retaliation against those who exposed or challenged SriLankan Airlines' irregularities or malpractices.
Obstructing external oversight and accountability mechanisms, resulting in evasion and impunity for those who were responsible or accountable for SriLankan Airlines' irregularities or malpractices.
and mismanagement in SriLankan Airlines, which had a detrimental impact on the airline's financial performance and operational efficiency. The report also states that these findings indicate a lack of professionalism and accountability in SriLankan Airlines, which had a negative impact on the airline's brand identity and market position. The Impact and Consequences of Corruption and Mismanagement on SriLankan Airlines
The Weliamuna report assesses the impact and consequences of corruption and mismanagement on SriLankan Airlines. The report states that the corruption and mismanagement that occurred in SriLankan Airlines during the period from 2009 to 2014 had serious and lasting effects on the airline's viability and sustainability. The report states that the corruption and mismanagement resulted in:
A huge loss of Rs. 128.238 billion (approximately USD 690 million) for SriLankan Airlines, which eroded its equity and capital base.
A huge debt of Rs. 175.419 billion (approximately USD 945 million) for SriLankan Airlines, which increased its interest and repayment obligations.
A low return on assets and return on equity for SriLankan Airlines, which reduced its profitability and competitiveness.
A high operating cost and low load factor for SriLankan Airlines, which lowered its efficiency and productivity.
A low customer satisfaction and loyalty for SriLankan Airlines, which diminished its reputation and goodwill.
A high employee turnover and low morale for SriLankan Airlines, which affected its human resource quality and capacity.
A high risk exposure and vulnerability for SriLankan Airlines, which threatened its safety and security.
The report states that these effects have jeopardized the future of SriLankan Airlines, which is facing a critical situation of insolvency and bankruptcy. The report also states that these effects have implications for the public interest and national interest of Sri Lanka, which is dependent on SriLankan Airlines for its economic development and social welfare.
The Recommendations for Reform and Accountability in SriLankan Airlines
and accountability of SriLankan Airlines. The report states that the recommendations are divided into two categories: short-term and long-term. The short-term recommendations are intended to address the immediate and urgent issues and problems faced by SriLankan Airlines, such as:
Restructuring the debt and liabilities of SriLankan Airlines, by negotiating with creditors and lenders for debt relief or rescheduling.
Revising the fleet and network of SriLankan Airlines, by rationalizing the aircraft procurement and utilization, and optimizing the route and flight operations.
Reforming the management and governance of SriLankan Airlines, by appointing a competent and professional board of directors and senior management team.
Reviewing the contracts and agreements of SriLankan Airlines, by terminating or renegotiating the contracts and agreements that are unfavorable or detrimental to the airline.
Recovering the losses and damages of SriLankan Airlines, by initiating legal action or arbitration against those who are responsible or liable for the losses or damages.
The long-term recommendations are intended to address the underlying and systemic issues and problems faced by SriLankan Airlines, such as:
Developing a strategic plan and vision for SriLankan Airlines, by defining the mission, goals, objectives, values, and policies of the airline.
Improving the financial performance and operational efficiency of SriLankan Airlines, by implementing cost-cutting measures, revenue-enhancing strategies, quality standards, and performance indicators.
Enhancing the brand identity and market position of SriLankan Airlines, by developing a unique selling proposition, a customer-centric approach, a competitive edge, and a social responsibility.
Strengthening the human resource quality and capacity of SriLankan Airlines, by providing training, development, motivation, recognition, and reward for the employees.
Ensuring the safety and security of SriLankan Airlines, by complying with national and international regulations and standards on aviation safety and security.
, by involving the relevant stakeholders, such as the government, the parliament, the regulators, the auditors, the shareholders, the customers, the suppliers, the competitors, etc.
The report states that these recommendations are not exhaustive or exclusive, but rather indicative and suggestive. The report also states that these recommendations are not binding or obligatory, but rather voluntary and optional. The report urges the relevant authorities and parties to consider and implement these recommendations in good faith and in the best interest of SriLankan Airlines and Sri Lanka.
The Reactions and Responses to the Weliamuna Report
The Public and Media Reactions to the Weliamuna Report
The Weliamuna report analyzes the public and media reactions to the Weliamuna report. The report states that the Weliamuna report generated a lot of interest and attention from the public and the media, both locally and internationally. The report states that the public and media reactions to the Weliamuna report were mostly positive and supportive, but also mixed